Valentine's Day

Dallas theaters offer classic Valentine’s Day love stories for traditional romantics and unique tales for those who like complicated twists filled with baggage. The top five productions below should appeal to a wide range of tastes. Stop by one of these shows and keep the romance alive this Valentine’s Day.

The Dallas Theater Center’s year is as epic as the larger-than-life love story portrayed in the new musical “Giant.” The DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty understands Texas Mystique without succumbing to cartoon stereotypes. The new musical “Giant” is the largest production in the theater’s history and is directed by three-time Tony nominee Michael Greif. “Giant” is a love story that follows a Texas ranching family through hardships and triumphs over two generations of change. The Wyly Theater in the Performing Arts District is the perfect venue for this ambitious production. Excellent restaurants are nearby in the One Arts building a block away.

George Gershwin composed his Rhapsody in Blue in 1925 during a wildly romantic period of change in our country. The Dallas Wind Symphony has a lovely nostalgic Valentine’s Day evening in mind with classic love songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” “Our Love is Here to Stay” and “S’Wonderful.” These renditions will cause new generations to fall in love with Gershwin even more so after hearing a real recording from this legendary composer during the performance. The Arts District has nearby dining options for a perfect Valentine’s Day celebration.

“I love you, you’re perfect, now change” is the longest running show in Dallas’ history. Jack Alder, co-founder of Theatre Three, knows that theatergoers never get tired of seeing a romantic play with realistic comic touches. “I love you, you’re perfect, now change” has laugh out loud moments, dating scenes to make you cringe, memorable wipe-tears-from-your-eyes scenes, universal truths and some of the best romantic spoofs anywhere. The actors have played their parts so many times that they are perfectly in sync with outstanding chemistry. Theatre Too is located downstairs in the same building as Theatre Three in the Quadrangle. There is free covered parking for each show in the Amli Quadrangle parking garage located on the north side of the center.

“Bring It On: The Musical” is energetic and exciting. It’s also full of laughs, great choreography and daredevil stunts thanks to a host of Tony Award winning creators. This lively musical gives theatergoers a different twist and spin on Valentine’s romance. The storyline is simple: two cheerleading squads from two high schools with one National Cheerleading Championship at stake. The competitors have to figure out what is more important: bringing home the trophy or finding true love. It will leave you cheering (hopefully in your seats and not on stage).

The Contemporary Theatre of Dallas is an intimate performance space located in a historic converted church. Whether producing a comedy or drama, the producing artistic director Sue Loncar finds a magical connection with her audience. At first glance Tennessee Williams’ “Night of the Iguana” may not seem like a Valentine’s Day play. Williams is known for his depiction of dysfunctional and trapped characters many times more absorbed with themselves than love, but that is the point.

The play focuses on sexual relationships, compassion and characters that reach out to help each other. “Night of the Iguana“ is one of Williams’ finest works. Sip a glass of wine during the performance while discovering Williams’ complicated characters beautifully realized by the Contemporary Theatre.